HUMIDIFICATION
to flu in a similar way to humans. The mice were infected with flu and kept in either low humidity or mid-level humidity conditions. Their physical reactions to the flu virus were then examined, including weight loss, temperature changes, their ability to clear the virus from their respiratory system and heal resultant inflammation, and ultimately their mortality rate. The scientists found that the mice kept in low humidity (10- 20%RH) suffered a much worse disease course than the mice kept in mid-level humidity (50%RH). They suffered more rapid and greater weight loss, were unable to maintain a normal body temperature and experienced a h igher mortality rate.
Dr Iwasaki commented: “What we found was that low humidity impairs the ability of the
respiratory tract, lung and nose to get rid of the flu virus. In the airway cells, hair-like projections called cilia, are constantly moving inhaled particles along to get rid of them.
However, in low humidity we found that this cilia movement, as well as particle removal, was impaired. This is particularly
important for people who are very susceptible such as the very young infant or the older person over 65, as mortality from flu mostly occurs in this age group.”
The researchers also observed that low humidity reduces the ability of cells in the lungs, damaged by flu, to repair themselves. A third effect of low humidity identified in this study, was that infected cells stopped signalling for help from neighbouring cells. The ability to recruit additional immune cells to fight invading viruses or bacteria is an essential part of the body’s natural defence system, and is key to limiting disease from infections. Commenting on the study,
Dave Marshall-George, UK sales manager at humidity control specialist Condair said: “This
s tudy is yet further evidence for a regulatory minimum humidity level to be set for public places to reduce the impact of seasonal flu. It is relatively simple to maintain a healthy indoor humidity of 40-60%RH in public buildings using commercial humidification systems.
“However, unlike temperature, humidity is n ot easily perceivable by occupants. This results in building operators saving money by not installing, or even turning off, their humidifiers and allowing indoor humidity to drop dangerously low in the winter.” Mr Marshall-George continues: “The problem is compounded by legislation that requires buildin g operators to reduce energy consumption. Building owners and designers are forced to minimise building services to become more efficient. However, the result is necessary services, such as humidity control, are being sacrificed at the expense of occupant health. Given the massive impact that flu has on society, both on the economy and the health service, it is time the governing bodies took notice of the science and introduced minimum indoor humidity levels.”
Commenting on the results of the study, Dr Stephanie Taylor, infection control consultant at Harvard Medical School and an ASHRAE distinguished lecturer, says: “Dr. Iwasaki’s research shows that balanced humidification increases our overall immune defences and therefore can be applied to both viral and bacterial diseases, not limited to seasonal influenza. This study clearly shows the need to maintain indoor relative humidity at 40–60% in homes, schools, offices, hospitals, aeroplanes and all other occupied spaces.
“ASHRAE must recognize this study as evidence to support a minimum RH level in occupied commercial buildings,” Dr Taylor concludes.
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